Sudanese Poet Mohammed El-Makki Ibrahim Dies at 85

By Lemya Shammat

SEPTEMBER 29, 2024 — Mohammed El-Makki Ibrahim (1939-2024), a celebrated poet and cultural icon of Sudan, died today in Cairo. He was 85.

Born in El-Obied, North Kordofan, in 1939, Mohammed El-Makki Ibrahim earned a B.A. in law from Khartoum University and an M.A. in political science from the Sorbonne. A former diplomat and global citizen, El-Makki was recognized for his significant contributions to literature, political discourse, and social activism.

As a pivotal figure in the “Bush and Desert” movement, he articulated a uniquely Sudanese voice, exploring themes of African identity, nationalism, and the plight of the marginalized. His prolific body of work includes four poetry collections and numerous essays, along with collaborations with prominent Sudanese artists.

In 1977, he was awarded the Medal of Arts and Letters, and many of his poems have been translated into English, French, and Russian.

His work has been the focus of numerous studies, with critics and scholars widely acknowledging his profound influence.

Among his creative contributions is a poetic play titled The Farm of the Doves. He also authored a novel and several scholarly books, including Sudanese Thought: Its Origins and Development and Between the Fire of Poetry and the Fire of Al-Majadhib.

Sudan has lost him during a time of deep turmoil, marked by war, atrocities, and widespread displacement. El-Makki’s poignant reflections on the beauty and suffering of his homeland continue to resonate, inspiring generations with their call for thought, resistance, and hope. His passing leaves an indelible void in the cultural landscape of Sudan.

More about El-Makki:

His poem “Home of Guidance and Light,” tr. Adil Babikir

Reflections from Lemya Shammat: The Drip of Nectar: Poetry by Sudanese Icon Mohammed El-Makki Ibrahim

Lemya Shammat is a writer, translator, educator, and editor who resides in the UAE. Find more by her in our archives.